Park Board votes to support Post Street Bridge market

Spokane Park Board members Thursday threw their support behind a proposal to create a year-round public market on the Post Street Bridge and adjacent park-owned land west of the bridge.

The board voted unanimously to give “conceptual support,” but members cautioned that the vote was not the same as a commitment to lease any park land to a developer who has proposed the idea.

Marshall Chesrown, who plans to develop 77 acres on the north bank of the Spokane River west of Monroe Street, has told city officials he would be willing to turn a rebuilt Post Street Bridge into a promenade with vendor stalls and viewing. A public market with a viewing plaza could be located in an area now known as Veterans Court, which overlooks the lower falls. He would also develop income-producing properties northwest of the bridge.

Chesrown wants to create a link between the downtown retail core and his proposed Kendall Yards development west of Monroe Street, an upscale urban village that is expected to bring new economic vitality to the city core. The Centennial Trail would pass through the public market area.

Mayor Jim West said Chesrown is expected to focus initially on his retail and residential development before turning attention to any potential public-private venture involving a public market.

Former Park Board member Steve Clark said Thursday that a public vote may be required under the City Charter for any Riverfront Park development outside the Pavilion. He also said that master planning for Riverfront Park envisions Veterans Court and land north of it as open space. The property may be subject to title restrictions on development, he said.

Current Park Board member Steve McNutt said, “We are making very cautious but forward steps. While they are forward steps, they are not a commitment on our part.”

Board member Frank Knott assured Clark that any public market would be developed through a public participation process that could involve a ballot measure.

Chesrown has proposed a 99-year lease with two 25-year extensions at $1 a year. In addition to developing the market, Chesrown would improve and maintain the Centennial Trail through the market area, as well as Kendall Yards.

In other business, the Park Board:

“ Gave conceptual approval to a series of projects contained in a Great Spokane River Gorge Strategic Master Plan. The plan calls for recreational and access improvements along the river from Spokane Falls downstream to Hangman Creek. The plan also calls for maintaining much of the public land along the river as open space for recreation and wildlife.

“ Recommended appropriation of $1.1 million from a park reserve fund to finance a new $2.5 million gondola in Riverfront Park. The City Council is slated to approve a bond sale on Monday, part of which would raise money for long-term funding of the project. The bond proceeds, once received, would be used to restore the park reserve funds. Park officials said revenue from the ride is expected to pay off the financing costs for the gondola, which is currently under construction and expected to open later this summer.

“ Gave the park director authority to spend $150,000 for a new spray water play area at Shadle Park. It is expected to be completed by Sept. 1.